“She’s not a product,” Jericho snarled, his need to remain by Becca’s side the only thing that kept him from launching himself at Sergei. “She’s your daughter, and my future mate. Show her some respect.”
“But this can’t be!” Ravena wailed like a spoiled child. “I can’t have a half-human sister. I just can’t!”
“Silence!” Sergei thundered, and Ravena snapped her mouth shut instantly, her eyes widening at being shouted at by her father for probably the first time in her life.
“It is the truth, and as her father I owe her my fealty and I am required to take responsibility for her.”
“If that’s… the law…” Becca said as she struggled into a sitting position, scowling up at Sergei. “Then why is it that you haven’t done so before?”
Sergei winced. “I never knew of you before,” he said. “Your mother did not tell me.” His eyes softened as he took Becca’s features in. “But I remember her well enough. She was a fine woman, and you look to have become a fine lady.”
Jericho tensed as Sergei crouched down beside Becca, too confused to snarl at him or snap at him to get away from her. He’d never seen the ruthless, bloodthirsty chieftain act this way in his entire life, and it unnerved him. “I apologize for abandoning you, however unknowingly that I did so. Half-breed or not, you are my family and I owe you my love and care.”
Becca relaxed a little, seeming somewhat mollified by Sergei’s reception of her. “If that’s true, you’ll allow me to mate with Jericho, and give us your full support.”
Sergei hesitated for only the briefest of moments. “As you wish.”
“But father!” Ravena began to shriek, but Sergei cut another glare her way.
“Would you rather have Becca come to live with us?” he asked in a steely voice, sounding much more like the Sergei Jericho knew. “Because that’s exactly what would happen otherwise.”
Becca opened her mouth, likely to protest, but Jericho squeezed her hand and shook his head. “Absolutely not,” Ravena said, screwing up her face in distaste. She waved an elegant hand dismissively. “You can have the half-breed,” she said loftily to Jericho. “At this point I’ve decided there are much more suitable mates out there for me than the likes of you.”
“You never deserved him in the first place,” Becca snarled as Ravena moved closer to her mother, who was still glaring at Sergei.
“Stop,” Jericho said, laughing a little. “There’s no point in playing her game, not when we’ve got exactly what we wanted.”
“Oh yeah?” Becca arched a brow. “And what is that, exactly?”
Jericho grinned. “You know damn well what, exactly. Unless you plan to return to Paris and…”
Becca cut him off with a fierce kiss that ignited his blood and made him forget about everything and everyone around them. Catcalls echoed throughout the warehouse as he wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her back, soaking up the feel of his gorgeous future mate in his arms. She smelled like ambrosia and felt like heaven, and the way she tasted… it was enough to drive him wild.
“You and I are going to be mates,” she growled when she’d pulled back from him. “There is no question about that.”
“Well, it’s about damn time.” Laughing, he gently scooped her up in his arms and headed for the exit, not even bothering to look back. “It took you long enough to come to terms with the fact that there would never be a better man for you.”
“Hey, now,” she replied with a smile. “All good things are worth waiting for.”
“This is true,” Jericho replied with a chuckle. “But I’m rather anxious to get on with the mating ceremony. I’m sure you understand.”
“I do,” Becca replied. “So take me home, husband.”
Becca snuggled up against his chest, and as the rest of his clan followed behind, surrounding them with their love and protection, Jericho couldn’t help but admit, this woman was exactly what he had been looking for his entire life. Now that he had her, he planned to do everything possible to make sure she was the most loved were-bear on earth.
About The Author
Catherine Vale has been writing fiction for as long as she can remember, but it wasn't until she wrote her very first paranormal romance story that she found herself hooked on the raw, edgy love affair of shifters, vampires and other dominant alpha males, and the captivating women that love them.
Catherine Vale writes both contemporary and paranormal romance for readers who are willing to take a walk on the wild side of love. Her stories always include powerful alpha males, smart and sassy heroines and a happily-ever-after (even if she often puts her characters through hell to get there!)
Do you want to know when there's a new release? Special offers, giveaways, free books and more! Find out more at http://www.CatherineVale.com and subscribe to her newsletter to receive notifications whenever a new book is released!
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Other Books By Catherine Vale
Untamed Hearts
The Wolves Next Door
A Touch Of Vampire
Her Two Bears
Double Trouble
Taste Of Honey
Scent Of A Mate
Shades of Dragon
Awakening The Bear
On The Prowl (Jaguar Series)
Kiss Of Fire
To Catch A Cheetah
Between Two Wolves
Burn, Baby, Burn
See full list of available books at http://www.CatherineVale.com and join her newsletter for updates, new releases, appearances, giveaways, and more!
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